To determine the total surface area of the cathode based on the given information, we need to follow a series of logical steps that involve some calculations related to the deposition of silver (Ag) from silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution. Let's break this down step by step.
Understanding the Problem
We know the following:
- Current (I) = 40 microamperes = 40 x 10-6 A
- Time (t) = 32 minutes = 32 x 60 seconds = 1920 seconds
- Percentage of cathode surface covered by Ag = 43%
- Area covered by each Ag atom = 5.4 x 10-16 cm2
Calculating the Total Charge
First, we need to calculate the total charge (Q) that has passed through the solution during the deposition process. The formula for charge is:
Q = I × t
Substituting the values:
Q = (40 x 10-6 A) × (1920 s) = 76.8 x 10-3 C = 0.0768 C
Determining Moles of Silver Deposited
Next, we can find out how many moles of silver have been deposited using Faraday's law of electrolysis. The molar mass of silver (Ag) is approximately 107.87 g/mol, and the charge required to deposit one mole of silver is 96500 C (Faraday's constant).
Using the formula:
n = Q / F
where n is the number of moles, Q is the total charge, and F is Faraday's constant:
n = 0.0768 C / 96500 C/mol ≈ 7.95 x 10-7 mol
Calculating the Number of Silver Atoms
Now, we can find the number of silver atoms deposited. Using Avogadro's number (approximately 6.022 x 1023 atoms/mol):
Number of atoms = n × Avogadro's number
Number of atoms = (7.95 x 10-7 mol) × (6.022 x 1023 atoms/mol) ≈ 4.78 x 1017 atoms
Calculating the Area Covered by Silver Atoms
Next, we calculate the total area covered by these silver atoms:
Total area covered = Number of atoms × Area per atom
Total area covered = (4.78 x 1017 atoms) × (5.4 x 10-16 cm2) ≈ 2.58 x 102 cm2
Finding the Total Surface Area of the Cathode
Since this area represents only 43% of the total cathode surface area, we can find the total surface area (Atotal) using the formula:
Atotal = Area covered / Percentage covered
Atotal = (2.58 x 102 cm2) / 0.43 ≈ 6.00 x 102 cm2
Final Result
Thus, the total surface area of the cathode is approximately 600 cm2. This calculation illustrates how electrochemical principles can be applied to determine physical properties of materials based on their behavior in solution.